Billiard-table chuck



(No Model.)

V. ESTEPHE. Billiard Table Chuck.

No. 235,861. Patented Dec. 28, 1880.-

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

VICTOR ESTEPHE, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

BlLLIARD-TABLE CHUCK.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 235,861, dated December28, 1880. Application filed May 12 1880. (No model.)

To all whom 2t may concern:

Be it known that I, .VIcToR ESTEPHE, of the city and county ofPhiladelphia, and State of Pennsylvania, have invented an Improvement inBilliard-Table Chucks, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to billiard-table chucks for changing a pool-tableinto a regular billiard-table; and it consists in so constructing thechucks that no screws or clamps are required to hold them in place, and,further, that they can be quickly and firmly attached to the table.

Heretofore billiard-table chucks have been constructed to fit theopenings in the cushionrail of the tableforming the entrance to thepockets, and have been held in place by clamps or screws from the backor other similar device. By these constructions it is found that itbecomes difficult to hold said chucks from vertical movement when theballs strike them, which movement invariably spoils a good play. It theclamps are tightened and the chucks rigid at first, they will soon workloose without being perceived, and hence are not to be relied on.

The object of my invention is to overcome these difficulties, and at thesame time produce a billiard-chuck more efficient in every way, and at amuch less expense.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a billiard-tablewithmy improved chuck in place. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of one of thecorner chucks. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of one of the side chucks.Fig. 4 is a perspective view of part of the cushion-rail and one of theside chucks in place, showing the method of fastening. Fig. 5 is a planview of one corner of the billiard-table, showing corner chuck in place.Fig. 6 is a cross-section of the cushion-rail of the billiard-table onthe line w m, Fig. 4.

A is the bed of the billiard or pool table, and B B B B are thecushion-rails of same, which are attached to the bed by bolts 61, asshown in Fig. 6, or other usual means. These cushion-rails B end oneither side of the corner pockets, G G C O, and side pockets, D 1),thereby forming an opening to same, as is necessary 1n pool-tables.

It being desired to change the pool-table into a regular billiard-tablewithout pockets, the chucks E and F are placed in the openings to thepockets, as hereinafter set forth.

The corner chucks are shown in Figs. 2 and 5, in which the body E ispreferably made of wood for cheapness, and is provided along the edgewhich the ball strikes with rubber e.

Secured to the bottom of the bodyE, and projecting from either side ofthe same, and preferably set flush with the bottom of the same, is anangular piece of flat metal, 6. As a rule, it is preferable to make thismetal piece 6 approximately knife-edged, the thicker end being next tothe center of the table.

The side chuck is shown in Figs. 3 and 4, and is similar in constructionto that already described, except that it is straight and notright-angled or corner-shaped.

The body F is provided with the rubber f and the metallic plate f.

The operation of changing the pool into a billiard table is very simple,as will be seen. The chucks are laid upon the table and shoved intotheir corresponding openings to the pockets, the plates attached to thebottom of said chucks passing under the cushion-rail, and being forcedbetween said cushion-rail and bed, as shown in Figs. 4 and 6, the chucksare held firmly from all vertical movement, and as the body of the chuckis made to fit the opening exactly no lateral movement can be had, andfinally the plates f and e, resting against the downward part of thecushion-rails, prevent the chucks from having any outward movement andkeep the cushion-edge of the chuck always on a line with thecushion-edge of the cushion-rails. The cushion-rails B rest close to thebed A, but not too close to prevent the thin metallic plates attached tothe bottom of the chucks being forced between them. The downward-springin g action of the cushion-rails insures a strong hold upon the chucksand pre vents any possibility of vertical movement or loosening of thechucks.

The object of beveling the plates 6 and f is to allow the same an easyentrance between the cushion-rail and bed. When a ball strikes the chuckit only tends to fasten the same more securely, and in nowise tends toloosen it, as is the case when clamps and screws are used.

If desired, the body and bottom plate may be made entirely of metal andin one piece.

Having now described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is-

1. A chuck for billiardiables, in combination with means wholly withinthe rail and table for securing the chuckjto the table, substantially asdescribed, and for the purpose specified.

2. In a chuck for billiard-tables, the combination of a body of wood orother suitable material and a flat metallic plate attached to the bottomand adapted to enter between the cushion-rail and the bed of the table,and extending over one or both sides of the body, substantially as andfor the purpose specified.

3. In a chuck for billiard-tables, the combination of abody with a fiatknife-edged plate attached to the bottom of the chuck and adapt- 25 edto enter between the cushion-rail and the bed of the table,substantially as and for the purpose specified.

4. A chuck for billiard-tables, consisting of a body and flat projectingknife-edges on the 0 under side thereof, the said knife-edges beingadapted to enter between the cushion-rail and the bed of the table, allof metal and in one piece, substantially as set forth.

In testimony of which invention I hereunto 5 set my hand.

VICTOR ESTEPHE.

Witnesses:

SAMUEL E. GAVIN, R0131. DJOAVIN.

